Think back to a time before emails, text messages and Twitter posts. I used to pick up a pen and stationery to express a sentiment or share news with family, friends and business associates. Now, in my never-ending quest to save time, a quick email or posting does the job. I remember when I first moved away from home, I exchanged handwritten letters with family members and friends for years, before a cell phone, email and now Facebook gradually took their place.

Imagine my delight when I recently checked the mailbox and found a handwritten note from one of my cousins, including a recent photo of her daughter. What a nice feeling to know that someone was thinking of me, and actually took the time to put it into words on some very cute stationery! She’ll be receiving my response in short order.

This kind of personal touch is also effective in the business world. It’s always a nice surprise to receive a handwritten thank you note at work, instead of an everyday email message. Below are five reasons to send a handwritten note at work:

1. Follow-up with a new client
2. Thanks a vendor for a job well done
3. Congratulate a colleague on a promotion or success
4. Acknowledge that you’ve read about someone in the news (attach a clipping)
5. Thank a coworker for their extra effort

I’ve set a personal goal at work to write a handwritten note at least once each week. Let’s bring back this lost art.